CHICAGO, Ill. (October 27, 2025) — With the 2025–26 college basketball season fast approaching, Chicago State University is gearing up for an exciting campaign in the NEC. The Cougars have been picked sixth in the NEC Men's Basketball Preseason Poll, signaling growing respect for the program as it continues to build momentum.
The poll, voted on by NEC head coaches, placed Chicago State ahead of Saint Francis, Wagner, Le Moyne, and New Haven. LIU earned the top spot with a unanimous selection, followed by CCSU, Stonehill, Mercyhurst, and FDU rounding out the top five.
Head Coach Landon Bussie expressed optimism about the team's placement:
"Being picked sixth shows that our peers recognize the strides we've made. We're hungry to prove ourselves and climb even higher."
Chicago State enters the season with a mix of returning talent and promising newcomers, ready to compete in one of the most dynamic mid-major conferences in the country. The Cougars will look to make a statement early and carry that momentum into NEC play.
NEC Preseason Poll Rankings
- LIU (unanimous)
- CCSU
- Stonehill
- Mercyhurst
- FDU
- Chicago State
- Saint Francis
- Wagner
- Le Moyne
- New Haven
The men's basketball team under the leadership of Landon Bussie will open the 2025-26 campaign on the road on Monday, November 3 as they take on the DePaul at 7 p.m.
